RAF Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth have completed a proof of concept exercise in Norway to test tactical refuelling on the ground capability, a process in which aircraft are refuelled on the ground while the engines are still running.
The Typhoons were supported by a RAF A400M and Voyager transport aircraft, from RAF Brize Norton, that flew to Bodø Main Air Station Norway to test the concept. The exercise involved establishing a self-sufficient, multi-skilled, RAF team that was embedded within the Royal Norwegian Air Force base. The team would then be capable of conducting Air Operations at short notice and away from the Typhoons main operating base in Scotland.
“The joint training conducted by both the Royal Norwegian Air Force and the RAF strengthens the effectiveness of NATO Air Power. This bilateral training improves the speed at which highly capable Air Forces, across the NATO partnership, can deliver decisive Air Power from several dispersed locations. Therefore, enforcing a more agile, and integrated, approach with our Allies."
Colonel John Olsen
UK Norwegian Defence Attaché
This exercise therefore was one of the first of a series of exercises that is developing the interoperability skills needed to work with NATO Allies from multiple dispersed locations at short notice. This exercise tested one key element of the concept, the ability to test tactical refuelling on the ground with Typhoons, which is needed to achieve the dispersed operation of the aircraft.
As part of the exercise, the opportunity was also taken by the Typhoon pilots to further develop and practise joint tactics and procedures as part of ongoing integration training with two F-16 fighter aircraft from Royal Norwegian Air Force, over the Norwegian Sea.
“This was an excellent opportunity for the RAF to operate alongside one of our NATO partners. This integrated activity demonstrated our ability to deploy, integrate and recover our assets in an agile, short notice manner. This small footprint strengthens the flexible employment of Air Power across the NATO partnership."
Air Vice-Marshal Ian Duguid
UK Global Air Component Commander
